The Prophet in the Quran

knowledge of the unseen on his own. This is demonstrated by the following verses from the Quran: If I had knowledge of the unseen, I would have availed myself of an abundance of good. (The Quran, 7:188) “I do not say to you that I possess God’s treasures, or that I have knowledge of the unseen.” (The Quran, 11:31) Tell them, ‘God alone has knowledge of the unseen. So wait; I too will wait with you. (The Quran, 10:20) These are tidings of the unseen that We reveal to you, [O Prophet], which you did not know before, nor did your people. (The Quran, 11:49) These and other verses of this nature prove clearly that the Prophet of Islam had not, been given knowledge of the unseen. God’s law for the Prophet was that he was given only those things essential to the discharging of his responsibilities as a Prophet. As this task did not relate to the metaphysical, he required no knowledge of the unseen. It was not the Prophet’s duty to demonstrate miraculous feats for the sake of establishing his superiority over others, but rather to guide people by means of dawah and counselling. This was the real task of the Prophet, and for its performance there was no need to possess any supernatural powers. That is why no Prophet was endowed with such a faculty. Ease in Difficulty In chapter 94 of the Quran the Prophet is thus addressed: Have We not lifted up your heart, and removed your burden that weighed so heavily on your back, and have We not given you high renown? So, surely with every hardship there is ease; surely, with every hardship there is ease. So, when you are free, strive hard, and to your Lord turn [all] your attention. (The Quran, 94:1-7) One particular aspect of the life of the Prophet of Islam comes before us in these verses. That is, the ability to see ease in difficulty was bestowed upon him by God’s grace and guidance; he was able, by dint of courage and determination, to turn disadvantageous situations to advantage, and could continue his activities with hope, even in times of great frustration. Through certain examples God made this matter clear. For instance, the Prophet of Islam underwent great hardship. His experiences broadened his vision, making him more confident. Ironically, his opponents’ false propaganda became the means of spreading his message far and wide, etc. The followers of the Prophet of Islam should also inculcate this same mentality among themselves. They should develop within themselves the capacity to turn minuses into pluses and convert hardship into ease.